MELBOURNE, Fla. — A motorcyclist helped a driver escape from a car moments before it was struck by a freight train in Melbourne, police said.
The crash happened around 9:23 p.m. Sunday on railroad tracks north of Palmetto Avenue.
According to the Melbourne Police Department, a sedan became stuck on the tracks with its driver still inside.
A passing motorcyclist saw the railroad crossing arms coming down and realized a train was approaching.
Police said the motorcyclist parked his motorcycle and went to help the driver. The driver was able to get out of the sedan and move a safe distance away before the train arrived.
The freight train struck the sedan and pushed it into the motorcycle and a railroad crossing arm at Palmetto Avenue.
The sedan’s driver appeared to be uninjured but was taken to a hospital as a precaution. Police did not report any injuries to the motorcyclist.
Palmetto Avenue was closed Monday while crews repaired the damaged crossing arm. Police did not provide an estimated reopening time.
The names of the driver and motorcyclist were not released.
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